Dorchester is the County Town of Dorset. A market town with an undoubtedly long history, Dorchester has connections to Thomas Hardy, the Tolpuddle Martyrs and Roman Britain, and today features a wide range of visitor attractions, independent retailers and eateries.

The Corn Exchange, Dorchester

Understand

Tourist Information Centre

• Dorchester Tourist Information Centre, dorchester.tic@westdorset-dc.gov.uk. Information about the Dorchester area and accommodation. 

Get in

A new park and ride service is now available, see National Park and Ride Directory

By train

Dorchester has two train stations, Dorchester South (rail links to stations to London) and Dorchester West (rail links to stations to Weymouth and Bristol) [1].

By bus

National Express Coaches stop at Dorchester.

Get around

Traveling around Dorchester in particular and West Dorset as a whole is easy by private or public transport.

See

• 1 Maiden Castle, Winterborne Monkton (on the outskirts of the city). the largest surviving hillfort in England. Dating from around 3000BC, the site is of great historical significance and is currently maintained by English Heritage Free. (updated Mar 2016)
• The Old Crown Court & Cells, Stratton House, 58-60 High West Street, DT1 1UZ, ☏ +44 1305 252241. Famous for the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs in 1834. Open during the summer, take a tour around the courts and learn about the Martyr heritage. 
• Dorset County Museum, High West Street, DT1 1XA, ☏ +44 1305 262735, enquiries@dorsetcountymuseum.org. Thomas Hardy's study plus a history of Dorset archeology, nature and the Jurassic Gallery - an exhibition of fossil finds from Englands first natural World Heritage site - the Jurassic Coast. Includes Hitler's desk from the Reichsministry! 
• The Tutankhamun Exhibition. a recreation of the famous pharaoh's tomb and treasures. 
• Teddy Bear Museum. a children's favourite, as well as the Terracotta Army (replica) exhibition in the same building. 
• 2 Hardy's Cottage, Higher Bockhampton, DT2 8QJ (3 miles east of Dorchester), ☏ +44 1305 262366, hardyscottage@nationaltrust.org.uk. The cottage where Thomas Hardy was born. 
• 3 Max Gate, Alington Avenue, DT1 2AB, ☏ +44 1305 262538, maxgate@nationaltrust.org.uk. The home of author and poet Thomas Hardy, who designed the house in 1885. 

Do

Come on a Wednesday and experience the lively atmosphere of market day in town. On the first Saturday of the month you can take a trip to Prince Charles' internationally renowned Poundbury and enjoy the Farmers' Market.

Buy

Local produce from the regular markets and farmers' markets in town. These are a great opportunity to discover local handcrafted and home-produced items and pick up a bargain!

Eat

Dorchester has a varied selection of restaurants, but is fairly limited in quality.

• 1 Sienna, 36 High West Street, ☏ +44 1305 250022. Three AA Rosettes restaurant. Small and intimate. £20-£30. 

Drink

There are many excellent pubs and bars in the county town of Dorchester, so prepare to be spoilt for choice!

Sleep

Whether you are looking for a self-catering retreat, a hotel, bed and breakfast or guesthouse, an inn or a farm stay, there are options in and around Dorchester.